Two Sides of the Same Coin: The Roles of KLF6 in Physiology and Pathophysiology

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• Genetics
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Krüppel-like factors (KLFs) are crucial regulators of cellular processes including proliferation, differentiation, metabolism, apoptosis, and inflammation.
• Dysregulation of KLF family members disrupts cellular homeostasis and contributes to various diseases.
• KLF6 is implicated in cancer, inflammation-associated diseases, and cardiovascular diseases, with its expression levels varying based on the specific pathology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive review of Krüppel-like factor 6 (KLF6) biology.
• To discuss the gene and protein architecture, gene regulation, post-translational modifications, and functions of KLF6 in both health and disease.
• To emphasize the dual roles of KLF6 full-length and spliced variants and explore therapeutic strategies.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of functional and expression assays related to KLF6.
• Analysis of gene regulation and post-translational modification mechanisms.
• Examination of KLF6's role in various physiological and pathophysiological processes.

Main Results:

• KLF6 dysregulation is linked to cancer, inflammation, and cardiovascular diseases.
• Alternative splicing generates KLF6 isoforms with distinct functions, influencing disease onset and progression.
• KLF6 expression can be either suppressed or elevated depending on the disease context.

Conclusions:

• KLF6 plays a significant role in maintaining cellular homeostasis and its dysregulation contributes to disease.
• Understanding the differential functions of KLF6 isoforms is critical for developing targeted therapies.
• Further research is needed to fully elucidate KLF6's complex roles and optimize therapeutic strategies.